Photos: Patrick Slavin, Co.Clare

Common Twayblade Listera ovata Dédhuilleog Family: Orchidaceae Flowering time: May-July. Rhizomatous perennial. Native. Spike of many small, stalked, yellowish-green flowers. Spur-less. Tiny bracts. Petals and sepals form loose hood. Lip pendent, notched. Only two leaves on stem above ground level. Dull-green, oval, ribbed. Stem downy above, hairless below. Height: 20-60cm. Found on mildly acidic to calcareous soils. Grassland, woodlands, dunes, limestone pavements, heathland, fens.

    
Photographs immediately above: Common Twayblade. County Cork. July 2008. © Jenny Seawright